Reaction Paper: Catching Fire - A System Destined to Fall

         With the release of the film of the next installment of the Hunger Games Trilogy, Catching Fire, we are again invited into the utterly dystopian world of Panem. The Hunger Games has always revolved around the themes of poverty, survival in an oppressive system and morality in such dire circumstances. Now, I believe that a world with such complexity as this deserves quite the observation and such will be the goal of this short piece.

            To begin, it would be beneficial to start with an overall picture of the universe as a whole, so that we may then dissect the finer, minute intricacies that lie within. The Hunger Games is a work of science fiction, but not too far from our own experiences. On shallow terms it possesses the same tropes we all know and love such as the presence of highly advanced technology and the fact that its timeline is centered on the not too distant future; a future that, although dotted with great advances in technology and science, has also fallen into desperation with the advent of war and rebellion. The technologically superior capital of this region finds it has no choice but to enforce a state of harsh, iron-fisted governance over the lands to ensure such a catastrophe can no longer happen again. Thus, the surrounding districts of Panem are thrust into an agonizing state of depression so bad that the people are forced to resort back to primitive forms of living just to survive.

           

            The philosopher Plato conceptualized the image of the ideal state in his writings and in it he prioritized, above all else, the attainment of justice within the society. And in it he conceptualizes a state containing many of the features that are also present within Panem. One of which is the division of classes with each performing a specialized duty, like that of each of the districts, that falls in line with that class. Each person does what he or she is supposed to do, for the benefit and good of the entire state. Censorship and the silencing of individuality for community are also major features of this ideal state. So then that would mean that the state of Panem must be following something along the right lines, considering it possesses many of these, correct? Unfortunately, as we know, this is far from the truth. The problem lies in the system of governance used by the leaders of this region of Panem. Though it does enforce a division of class and specialization, the elites of the region hardly do anything nothing more than waste and squander the resources of the population. Whilst, on the other side, those part of the twelve districts are merely forced to work within the confines of their own district, with no chance of ever attaining more.

This brings to light the utter irony of the nature of the society in Panem. Along with the advancement of technology and science in the world, it created a society of greed amplified more so by the scarcity of resources. Could this be the future we see ourselves in? Well, only time can tell.

Migs Racadio
2013-59621

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